Local briefs: Sept. 20, 2007

Man found dead, likely from drug overdose

LORAIN — A 50-year-old man found inside his Long Avenue apartment likely died from a drug overdose, said county Coroner Paul Matus.

The body of Gary Fiorello was found Tuesday evening by police. However, it is likely he died several days ago as the body already was decomposing, Matus said.

There were no signs of foul play indicative of a possible crime at the scene. Drug paraphernalia items were found with the body, and he was alone, Matus said. Fiorello had not been seen since Sept. 14, police said.

Correctional facility evacuated after fire

ELYRIA — The community-based correctional facility on Murray Ridge Road was evacuated for a short period Wednesday night after a computer monitor caught fire and filled the place with smoke, Elyria firefighters said.

Firefighters were called to the facility, located next to the county jail, about 9:30 p.m. after a fire alarm was triggered. A faulty computer monitor in a staff office area had caught fire, said Assistant Chief Glenn Saddler said.

Firefighters arrived and quickly snuffed the fire with a fire extinguisher, and the fire damage was contained to the monitor and the top of a desk, Saddler said.

However, smoke from the fire filled three offices and parts of the jail area, forcing an unknown number of inmates at the facility to temporarily evacuate, Saddler said.

County jail officials said the community-based correctional facility operates independently of their facility, so there was no estimate available on the number of staff and inmates who evacuated.

Saddler said at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday that firefighters were still ventilating the building, but inmates and staff would be able to return shortly.

The fire caused a few thousand dollars damage to the computer and desk and smoke damage. There were no reports of injuries.